GFA charge Hearts for ref abuse

The Ghana Football Association has moved to punish Accra Hearts of Oak for the conduct of their fans during the 1-3 defeat at home to Wa All Stars last Sunday.

The win by All Stars ended Hearts of Oak’s unbeaten start to the season but Hearts fans felt that All Stars had scored their opening goal from an offside position and protested strongly during and after the game.

The charge sheet said: “On or about the 20th minute of the match, when the first goal was scored against them, Hearts supporters threw water bottles and other objects at assistant Referee 2, Freeman Anwulo and onto the field of play.

That this behaviour of your supporters resulted in a hold up of play for about six (6) minutes in violation of the GFA Regulations.

The second charge, when the match officials were walking to the dressing room at half time, the club’s supporters threw water bottles and other objects at the match officials.
Also during the second half of play, anytime a decision goes against your club, your supporters threw water bottles and other objects at the two assistant referees and onto the field of play in violation of the GFA Regulations.

Charge three, immediately after the final whistle of the match, the supporters threw water bottles, stones and other objects at match officials and the security men escorting them into the dressing room.
They held the match officials hostage for over 35 minutes until the police rescued the match officials in police vehicle to the Police Station in violation of the GFA Regulations.”

The Phobians could cop a home ban and fine for the attitude of the fans that was condemed by coach Kenichi Yatsuhashi after the game.